How do I get on the Internet in the Library?
You are welcome to use computers and other devices in the Public Library of Brookline. Most Library-owned computers are loaded with standard software like the programs found in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and provide access to the Internet. You may also use our free WiFi service to access the Internet from your own computer or other device.
When you use a computer or other device, whether your own or Library-owned, in the library you agree to adhere to the following Acceptable Use Policy:
- In order to log on to most library-owned computers you will be required to use your own valid library card. Guests without cards may use "Express" computers at the Main Library and at our branches.
- Please be considerate of other computer users and of library users in general. Patron-owned equipment must be quiet and inoffensive to other library users. Please turn off such features as key clicks, beeps, ringers, and audible alarms. Cell phones can be used in designated areas only -- usually these are located in the outer lobbies of our buildings.
- Please respect the posted time limits for computer use.
- The library accepts no responsibility for loss of data on any device. Be sure to save your work frequently and maintain backups. Floppy disks frequently fail: we suggest that you use a more reliable storage medium such as a USB Flash Drive and/or an Internet file-storage service . While we provide a shared folder (U: drive) on one of our servers for public use from library-owned computers, the folder is intended only to provide emergency and temporary storage. Do not depend on documents being there for long. While the staff never deletes files from this folder unless they have not been modified in two months, any public user can delete or alter these files. We have no way of preventing this, and some public users have wiped the folder clean. Never delete a file from the shared folder unless you created it.
- The Library does not accept liability for loss of or damage to patron-owned equipment because of theft, accident, power surge or other electrical problem. The Library recommends that users place their own surge protectors between their own equipment and library power outlets.
- Computers in the children's room are reserved for the use of children and adults who are helping them.
- The library filters Internet content on the computers in the children's room. Filters, however, cannot be configured to satisfy every parent. We encourage parents to supervise their child's computer use in the library. We suggest you visit www.ala.org/alaorg/oif/children.html.
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You may not use the Library's Internet for illegal or abusive purposes, including, but not limited to:
- Unauthorized copying of copyright-protected materials in any form
- Transmission of chain letters, broadcast letters, or any form of junk mail
- Transmission of threatening, obscene or harassing materials
- Transmission of computer viruses
- Unauthorized access to local and remote-computer systems
- Software installation or intentional changes to software configuration on any library computer
- Attempts to determine how other patrons have used the computer
- Some of the library's computers provide limited Internet access and are designated as "Catalog Only" or "Reference Only." Please do not use these particular machines for email, chat, or games. Our Express Computers are intended to give short-term visitors access to the Internet and E-mail/Chat and should not be used to play games.
The Public Library of Brookline and the Minuteman Library Network assume no liability for inaccurate or out-of-date information on the Internet. You are encouraged to use common sense in deciding what is reliable information and what is not. The MLN brochure, Evaluating Internet Resources, has some handy pointers.
Please be advised that although the library keeps no records of your Internet activity, it does record login and logout times linked to the barcode on your library card. Although this is done primarily for statistical purposes, the library must make this information available if it is subpoenaed by a court of law.
In addition, you agree to adhere to the Acceptable Use Policies of the Library's Internet Service Provider (ISP), the Minuteman Library Network (MLN), and of MLN's ISP. For full information, see http://www.mln.lib.ma.us/policy.htm.